Critical Parameters Management, or CPM, facilitates the product development process by providing a constant, real time connection between people, helping them share knowledge as it becomes available from a variety of sources. The different levels of information and parameters to be managed during a development project begin at the highest level with the "Voice of Customer," or market requirements. A limited number of critical parameters are then selected as "CTQs," or Critical to Quality. Those parameters are then translated into actual targets to be used as inputs for design and simulation for the solution being developed. Finally, all the detailed parameters and data are generated during detailed design phases. The need to closely track a limited number of critical parameters means that they must be carefully selected and permanently linked with the necessary performance variables, supporting documents, and reports tracked by management executives.

Motorola, Raytheon, and Becton, Dickinson and Company were all extremely pleased with the product and the approach. All three value most highly the ability to drive the project and product development from a range of values that defines the performance bracket of acceptable performance for the project or product being defined.